Michael Bloomberg, who is expected to decide sometime in the next eight weeks whether to launch an independent bid for the US presidency, is today meeting leading members of both main political parties who have expressed deep frustration with the state of the campaign.

Organisers of the forum, to take place on Oklahoma, say it is not meant to be a launching pad for a bid by Mr Bloomberg, New York's mayor. However, it will keep Mr Bloomberg in the national discussion ahead of tomorrow's primaries in New Hampshire, while also giving him the chance to woo distinguished members of both parties who could add muscle to a bid if he chooses to run.